Intentional Walk for Little League older divisions?

[Guest Bill]

Current rules seem to allow minors and majors to intentionally walk a batter in little league baseball without throwing a pitch.  But no mention of intermediate, junior and senior divisions.

I have seen differing opinions on this - some say they can intentionally walk with no pitches thrown (treat as a minors or majors division), others say the pitches need to be thrown.

What is the official ruling of this for little league intermediate, junior and sr divisions?

 

[beerguy55]

Is this relevant?

https://www.llumpires.com/files/2019_tournament_rules_chart_bb.pdf

[mw94]

That chart is not correct anymore in 2020 LL allows an IW after a pitch is thrown.  You add how many pitches left to get to ball 4 to the pitch count

Ex: Batter takes ball 1, defense mgr decides now to IW the batter it is allowed now add 3 pitches to the pitch count 

[Mudisfun]

I don't see anything in the 2021 rules pertaining to Intermediate or above, only Majors and below:

 

Baseball Only - 6.08(a) – Allows a defensive team to “intentionally walk” a batter at any time during the at-bat in the Minor and Major Divisions of Baseball.

6.08 - The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided said runner advances to and touches first base) when - (a) (1) four “balls” have been called by the umpire; ball is live and base runners may advance; or, (2) Minor/Major Division: Prior to a pitch being thrown, The defense elects to “Intentionally Walk” the batter by announcing such decision to the plate umpire. The request may be made prior to or during the at-bat.

NOTE 1: Such notification must be made by the defensive manager. The manager must request and be granted “time” by the umpire and then inform the umpire of the defense’s intent to walk the batter.

NOTE 2: The ball is dead and no other runners may advance unless forced by the batter’s award. Four (4) The appropriate number of “balls” needed based on the count on the batter at the time of the manager’s request to complete the Intentional Walk pitches will be added to the pitch count.

[Guest Bill]

Thanks, all!

As mw94 commented, minors and majors can now intentionally walk the batter at any time during the at-bat since 2020 changes. What I was missing was the older ages.

That chart is perfect - thank you, beerguy55!  Older divisions do indeed have to throw the pitches.

 

Thanks,

Bill

[SeeingEyeDog]

...and as always, OP although you did ask for the official LL ruling, I would encourage you to either review your local league rules as there could be a modification or contact the league's Umpire In Chief. It's unlikely there'd be a local mod to this rule but, it IS Little League...

~Dawg